A distinguished scholar and expert in human capital development, Prof. Uchechukwu Onyekwelu, has been appointed as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Lux Mundi University, Umuahia in Abia State.
A statement by the institution said Onyekwelu, brought an impressive academic pedigree, including positions as the Head of Accountancy at Enugu State University of Science and Technology and a Senate member at the institution.
The historic event at Lux Mundi University’s auditorium also included the investiture of principal officers, the matriculation of its inaugural students, and the groundbreaking ceremonies for new faculty complexes.
The foundation stone of the His Excellency, Dr Ikedi Ohakim Faculty of Management Sciences Complex was laid by the former Governor of Imo State, Dr Ikedi Ohakim.
Additionally, a memorial complex for the Faculty of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences was dedicated to the late Pastor Mrs Patience Umo, the wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
The Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Gabriel Okenwa, explained that Prof. Onyekwelu emerged as Vice-Chancellor following a rigorous selection process conducted by a consortium of local and international experts.
The unveiling ceremony was officiated by His Grace, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayua Kaigama, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja and former President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. Archbishop Kaigama serves as the university’s mentor, appointed by the National Universities Commission.
The Chancellor of Lux Mundi University, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and President of the CBCN, urged students to take full advantage of the university’s robust academic offerings to achieve global competitiveness.
In her inaugural address, Prof. Onyekwelu encouraged students to focus on their studies and align themselves with the university’s top-notch academic programs.
“Remain focused on your academic goals and avoid distractions. We aim to produce globally competitive graduates who will become the change agents Nigeria desperately needs,” she said.
The ceremony attracted goodwill messages from notable stakeholders, including Ambassador Dr Kema Chikwe, Founder of the Women Leadership Institute, and Prof. John Kennedy Opara, Chairman/CEO of CSS Farms.
Opara announced a scholarship endowment for 22 students from the Mbaise cultural zone, beginning in the 2024/2025 academic session.
Representatives from Veritas University, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, and international organisations such as FEEDS and CSS Group also graced the occasion.
Onyekwelu’s extensive career includes serving as the founding Consulting Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences at Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Nsukka, and holding leadership roles with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.